I don’t know how it can be proclaimed that we are anything close to perfect and that we have the best economy on earth.   At the same time, it is even more strange to have all the violence, mass shootings, environmental degradation, atomic weaponry, lack of holistic organization, lack of stability, lack of prioritization lack of needs assessment, lack of impact assessment, gun violence, preventable suffering, and all other externalities.   Most of all, we need to have more inclusion and acceptance on earth for everybody on earth first before we can have an economy.  It is strange to proclaim our economy as the best on earth, considering these circumstances and conditions. We must adapt on these conditions and solve all the major problems on earth first.   There is too much divisiveness around the world, including conflict, wars, insecurity, instability, and pollution on earth to give good grades to the economy.   Some of the best economies on earth are ones that are closer to nature such that they don’t impact our natural environment, our people, and other countries on earth.

My recent reflections have led me to profoundly question the prevalent metrics we employ to define economic success and ‘perfection.’ It strikes me as increasingly inadequate to laud an economy as superior when its foundations seemingly overlook, or even contribute to, profound societal and ecological crises.

Consider for a moment the absurdity of proclaiming an economy as ‘best’ while our communities grapple with pervasive violence. How can true prosperity be claimed amidst the regular occurrence of mass shootings, widespread gun violence, or while the ominous shadow of nuclear arsenals and global conflicts continues to loom large? An economy truly serving humanity would inherently foster peace and prioritize the safety and well-being of its citizens above all else.

Furthermore, our current economic paradigms often treat the natural world as an infinite resource or a convenient waste repository. The concept of ‘externalities’ frequently dismisses the catastrophic environmental degradation, rampant pollution, and accelerating climate change that threaten the very fabric of life on Earth. A truly intelligent and sustainable economic model must be intrinsically interwoven with the health of our planet, recognizing that environmental stewardship is not an optional add-on but a fundamental prerequisite for lasting prosperity.

Therefore, I believe it is imperative to redefine what constitutes a truly flourishing economy. Its measure should extend far beyond mere financial indicators or gross domestic product. Instead, it must be contextualized within the broader framework of human well-being, social equity, and the preservation of our natural environment – indeed, all of creation. How can we genuinely claim economic leadership when a lack of prioritization allows for such fundamental failures in public safety and environmental responsibility?

It compels us to ask: what does it truly mean for a society to thrive? Is it not time to elevate our collective aspirations and measure economic strength not by accumulation and consumption, but by our capacity to eradicate violence, foster ecological balance, and ensure a dignified and flourishing existence for every individual? These are profound questions that demand a fundamental shift in our collective values and priorities. Should we shift to an Earth-centric, as well as a continental, approach to evaluating our economies, as well as to local or ecoregional ones?

Sincerely,

Richard Thomas Simmons